With a chime, the datapad lit up and a voice came forth
"Fleet Admiral, is this a bad time?"
"No, Ensign, what is it?"
"I've got a priority I message from the Federation. Shall I patch it through?"
Frey, Owner of XenoCorp Inc, looked up from his design station. He keyed close the current design schematics and patched the Ensign through to his main terminal. As he turned to face the viewscreen he keyed several toggles on his console. Several lights dimmed.
"I'll take it from here, Ensign. Thank you."
The image of the Federation's Commander of Starfleet swam into view. Human, and dashing, that much could be said. Frey's face turned into a impasive mask as he faced the viewscreen.
"Yes, Wanderer, what can I do for you?"
"Frey, how goes it? I'm glad you found the time to engage in this ...off the record conversation."
"Oh, this is off the record?"
"Yes, is that a problem?"
"Wanderer, you should know nothings off the record here at XenoCorp, but I'll indulge you for the moment." Frey flipped two more toggles on the console.
"Haha, true, quiet true...ever to the point, eh Frey? Listen, We've received credible evidence that the Orion Slave Cartels are ramping up for another 'big push'...well, actually I'd call it a 'enormous push' but that's just me. We need to get someone on the inside to see what the real deal is. The only one that can do that is you."
Frey considered the intel he had just been going over with his Number 1 just yesterday. It did, indeed, appear that the Orions were ramping up - but not all the Orions, just one in particular. Rather than volunteer his information, Frey did as he always had done - remain silent and let the silence provoke more information from the Federation. They were somewhat loose around the lips when it came to situations like these.
"What we'd like, Frey, is for a small strike team to infiltrate this before it even begins. We can't do it as I'm sure you know - there's no one in the Federation that can get into the places you and your organization can. We're sure something really big is up but for obvious reasons we can't touch it. If we did, our trade deals with the Orions would ...suffer." Wanderer looked uncomfortable, and it was understandable. All the intel XenoCorp had collected on the Federation Protectorate Fleet's commander pointed towards a man with morals, ethics, and a steadfast consistancy. Simply facing, let alone bringing up the Federations necessary dealings with the Orions seemed difficult for Wanderer, and he didn't try to hide it.
Frey's face remained unchanged. "It will cost you, as you well know. Nothing is for free in this world. But, yes, we can do it. Our standard arrangement, then? You know where to transmit the data, and more importantly the funds. 1/2 down. 1/2 at completion of the mission, regardless of the outcome."
"Regardless of the outcome? I don't think the Federation Council will like that, Frey"
"The Federation Council are not the ones doing this mission, Wanderer. Risk is part of my business, and if I am shouldering that risk alone, then I will make sure I am paid for it. Understood?"
"Understood, Frey."
"Good, now that we've gotten that out of the way, did you receive that crate of Romulan Ale I sent you?"
A shocked expression came over Wanderer's face, "That was you? Good Lord, Frey, that was some good stuff. I should have know it was you...we're on a open signal, though..I could be"
"Whatever else we may be, behind all that we'll always be friends. Don't forget that. And I wouldn't worry about the signal, no one else is going to hear."
Frey smiled.
"well, I should have known better than to second guess you, old friend. Now I'll get the credits transferred, as well as your standard tech assignments. I appreciate your help." Wanderer held up his hand and the viewscreen went dead.
"I just hope you recognize it's the help you need, not necessarily the help you want."
Frey gazed into the viewscreen, lost in thought.